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June 22, 2016

All at Sea

"Then I read about my own family's tragedy in my newspaper, and the only thing I could think was: they can't be talking about me." ~ 2%

I was hooked from the first lines. Click here to read my First Lines Friday feature then return to this review; I'll wait.

I know your interest is piqued. Mine was too. From that point on, I could not stop reading All at Sea until I flipped the last ePage. Even then I googled articles for more information and pictures. Decca Aitkenhead's memoir begins with a life-changing event. On a hot morning on a beautiful beach in Jamaica, her four-year-old son is playing by the water's edge when a wave pulls him out to sea. Her significant other, Tony, immediately tries to save their son's life. Only one lives. Tony drowns right before their eyes.

Going back in time, Decca recalls her relationship with Tony. They were quite the improbable couple—she is an award-winning journalist; he was a drug dealer. But against all odds and despite naysayers, their love and family grew.

"Without Tony I am limp and bleeding, because half of me is missing." ~ 88%

The cover is relaxing but the content is heavy. All at Sea is not the best book to read oceanside or at the beach. It is not light-hearted though it leaves you with hope. It was fitting that I read it during a rainy summer day. Decca Aitkenhead's honest descriptive writing hit me in the gut. I felt her raw grief. All at Sea is a true story of love and loss that I recommend to all bookhearts. You may not want to read it now during summer vacay but definitely add it to your TBR.

All at Sea will be re-published in August.Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.